Starliner Stuns for Successful Sunrise Launch on ULA Atlas V- Last from Cape 2019: Gallery

Boeing’s Starliner human-rated spacecraft lifts off on United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on the unpiloted Orbital Flight Test mission at 6:36 a.m. EDT Dec. 20, 2019 - as seen in this remote camera view.  Starliner thruster firing mishap scrubbed docking to the International Space Station (ISS).  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

27 Dec 2019

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – Starliner stunned during the successful sunrise launch of Boeing’s astronaut space taxi aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket Friday, Dec 20 – marking the final launch of 2019 from the Cape on Florida’s Space Coast.

Enjoy my Space UpClose gallery of imagery taken today from my viewing perch on the rooftop of NASA’s iconic 52 story tall Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) as well as my remote cameras ringing the Atlas Starliner inside the security perimeter fence at pad 41. 

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/starliner-stuns-for-successful-sunrise-launch-on-ula-atlas-v-last-from-cape-2019-gallery/

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 2019 from NASA and the Space Station Crew On Earth and in Earth Orbit

Expedition 61 Christmas Message: Although the astronauts aboard the International Space Station are spending the holidays apart from their families, they have the holiday spirit — and more than just a few of the most important festive supplies. Commander Luca Parmitano and NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Drew Morgan and Jessica Meir share their message for the holidays wrapping up 2019. Credit: NASA

24 December 2019

Ken Kremer - - For Spaceupclose.com and RocketSTEM

Cape Canaveral, FL –  NASA and the multinational crew of Expedition 61 sends their heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday greetings today on Christmas Eve 2019 – on Earth and in Earth orbit from the International Space Station (ISS).  

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/merry-christmas-happy-holidays-2019-from-nasa-and-the-space-station-crew-on-earth-and-in-earth-orbit/

Boeing Starliner Lands Safely after Skipping ISS Visit

The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is seen after it landed in White Sands, New Mexico, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. The landing completes an abbreviated Orbital Flight Test for the company that still meets several mission objectives for NASA’s Commercial Crew program. The Starliner spacecraft launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 6:36 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.  Credits: NASA/Bill Ingalls

22 Dec 2019  

Ken Kremer - - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – The first Boeing Starliner commercial crew capsule to launch and reach orbit landed safely this morning Sunday, Dec 22, at 7:58 a.m. ET  at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico after an abbreviated 2 day mission cut short by a timing failure that sent the ship into the wrong orbit and unable to dock at the International Space Station (ISS). 


Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/starliner-lands-safely-after-skipping-iss-visit/

1st Starliner Soars to Space on Fully Successful ULA Atlas V Launch but Thruster Mishap Scrubs Critical ISS Docking: Photos

Boeing’s Starliner human-rated spacecraft arcs over and soars to space after liftoff on United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in this long duration exposure photo on the unpiloted Orbital Flight Test mission at 6:36 a.m. EDT Dec. 20, 2019 as seen from the VAB roof. Starliner thruster firing mishap scrubbed docking to the International Space Station (ISS). Note SLS Mobile Launcher positioned at bottom, center along crawlerway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

20 Dec 2019  

Ken Kremer - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – Shortly after the historic maiden liftoff of Boeing’s Starliner astronaut space taxi on a fully successful ride to space aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket at sunrise Friday from the Florida Space Coast, the commercial capsule suffered a serious mishap that sent it into the wrong orbit when the ships thrusters fired far too long and expended so much fuel that the primary goal of safely accomplishing a critical docking to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/1st-starliner-soars-to-space-on-fully-successful-ula-atlas-v-launch-but-thruster-mishap-scrubs-critical-iss-docking-photos/

Countdown Begins for Historic 1st Boeing Commercial Starliner Atlas V Launch to Space Station for NASA: Pad Photos/Watch Live

Water reflection view of Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop ULA Atlas V standing vertical after roll out from the Vertical Integration Facility to Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-41 for the OFT mission targeting launch on Dec. 20, 2019. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

19 Dec 2019

Ken Kremer - For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – The countdown has begun for the historic maiden blastoff of the Boeing Starliner commercial astronaut ferry ship riding aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket on the critical uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) demonstration journey for NASA to the International Space Station (ISS) near sunrise Friday morning Dec. 20 on a test flight that will pave the way for human missions with NASA astronauts by mid-2020, if all goes well.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/countdown-begins-for-historic-1st-boeing-commercial-starliner-atlas-v-launch-to-space-station-for-nasa-pad-photos-watch-live/

1st Boeing Starliner Reaches Pad for Dec 20 Test Flight to Space Station

Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop ULA Atlas V standing vertical after roll out from the Vertical Integration Facility to Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-41 for the OFT mission targeting launch on Dec. 20, 2019. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

18 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – The 1^st commercial Starliner astronaut space taxi reached the launch pad this morning, Wednesday, Dec 18, and is poised for liftoff of the human-rated spaceships readiness for the critical uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) demonstration journey to space on Friday morning Dec. 20 that will pave the way to human missions with NASA astronauts by mid-2020, if all goes well.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/1st-boeing-starliner-reaches-pad-for-dec-20-test-flight-to-space-station/

SpaceX Falcon 9 Stunning Nighttime Streak Delivers JCSAT/KACIFIC Asian Internet Comsat to Orbit: Photos

SpaceX Falcon 9 steaks to orbit in this long exposure image from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station delivering JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 comsat to orbit at 7:10 a.m. p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2019.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com 

16 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FIRCE STATION, FL – A twice recycled SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket put on a stunning sky show at dinnertime tonight, Monday Dec. 16,  streaking to space and darting in and out of clouds that passed over the Cape in the final moments before liftoff from the Florida Space Coast to successfully deliver the Boeing-built JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 broadband internet comsat to geostationary transfer orbit that will serve millions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/spacex-falcon-9-stunning-nighttime-streak-delivers-jcsat-kacific-asian-internet-comsat-to-orbit-photos/

Photos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Poised for Nighttime Liftoff with Asia Pacific Comsat Dec 16- Watch Live

SpaceX Falcon 9 stands vertical at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for the JCSAT-19/Kacific-1 comsat launch slated for launch Dec. 16.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com 

16 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FIRCE STATION, FL – A twice recycled SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands poised erect for liftoff this evening Monday, Dec. 16 under beautifully clear skies carrying the Boeing-built JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 broadband internet comsat serving millions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region – as the opening salvo of a double-barreled series of blastoffs next week on the Florida Space Coast that concludes with the historic first blastoff of Boeing’s Starliner astronaut ferryship on Friday, Dec. 20


Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/photo-spacex-falcon-9-poised-for-nighttime-liftoff-with-asia-pacific-comsat-dec-16-watch-live/

Friday the 13th Falcon 9 Static Fire Test Under Gloomy Skies Sets up SpaceX JCSAT-18 Comsat Launch Dec 16: Photos

SpaceX conducts successful sunset static fire test of Falcon 9 first stage engines at 1:20 p.m. EST under gloomy skies on Dec. 13, 2019 with exhaust wafting overhead at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for the JCSAT-19/Kacific-1 comsat launch slated for launch Dec. 16.  The scene includes iconic VAB at left as seen from the Indian River in Titusville, FL. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com 

13 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

Titusville, FL- A successful static fire test at lunchtime today Friday the 13^th under gloomy skies of a twice flown Falcon 9 booster by SpaceX sets up the nighttime launch of the Boeing-built JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 broadband internet comsat for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region on Monday, Dec. 16 – as the opening salvo of a double-barreled series of blastoffs next week on the Florida Space Coast that concludes with the historic first blastoff of Boeing’s Starliner astronaut ferryship on Friday, Dec. 20.

And the weather outlook for both is currently quite good at the Cape. 

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/friday-the-13th-falcon-9-static-fire-test-under-gloomy-skies-sets-up-spacex-jcsat-18-comsat-launch-dec-16-photos/

NASA Approves Dec. 20 Liftoff for 1st Starliner Test Flight to Space Station

Up Close view of Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop ULA Atlas V standing vertical after roll out from the Vertical Integration Facility to Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-41 for the OFT mission targeting launch on Dec. 19, 2019. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

13 December 2019

Ken Kremer –  For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – The combined NASA, Boeing, ULA team unanimously approved Dec. 20 as the date for liftoff of the history making 1^st commercial Starliner test flight to the International Space Station from the Florida Space Coast – giving the “GO” after a “thorough and comprehensive” review of the human-rated spaceships readiness for the critical uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) demonstration journey to space that will pave the way to human missions with NASA astronauts by mid-2020, if all goes well.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/nasa-approves-dec-20-liftoff-for-1st-starliner-test-flight-to-space-station/

SpaceX 1st Stage Booster from Cargo Dragon Launch Sails into Port Canaveral: Photos

Water reflection view of arrival of first-time launched Falcon 9 1^st stage booster landed atop “Of Course I Still Love You” (OCISLY) droneship and towed by tug Hawk and SpaceX fleet into Port Canaveral channel at sunrise Dec. 7, 2019 – 2 days after SpaceX Dragon CRS-19 launch Dec. 5.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

11 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – Barely two days after the lovely lunchtime liftoff of the SpaceX cargo Dragon on Dec. 5 carrying a load of nearly 3 tons of NASA science and supplies bound for the International Space Station (ISS) the recovered 1^st stage booster sailed into Port Canaveral atop the OCISLY droneship on Saturday morning, Dec. 7 under lovely sunny sunrise skies and calm seas.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/spacex-1st-stage-booster-from-cargo-dragon-launch-sails-into-port-canaveral-photos/

NASA Administrator Bridenstine Announces Completion of 1st SLS Core Stage Moon Rocket at Artemis Day: Photos

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine gives remarks on the agency’s Artemis program, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, announcing assembly completion in front of the 1^st core stage for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

10 Dec 2019

Ken Kremer -- For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

MICHOUD ASSEMBLY FACILITY, LA – NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine declared assembly completion of the 1st core stage of the agency’s mammoth Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket during the ‘Artemis Day’ special event on Monday, Dec. 9, at the agencies huge Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Bridenstine proudly showed off the first fully assembled, 212-foot-tall core stage that was manufactured at America’s ‘rocket factory’ at Michoud - to an exuberant gathering of contractors and space workers, NASA personal and officials, and the media.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/nasa-administrator-bridenstine-announces-completion-of-1st-sls-core-stage-moon-rocket-at-artemis-day-photos/

ULA Completes Atlas V Countdown and Fueling Test for Boeing Starliner OFT Test Flight Reset to Dec 20: Photos

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket topped by Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, stands on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station during a wet dress rehearsal for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test on Dec. 6, 2019 while venting liquid oxygen and with helicopter flying in background – as seen from Playalinda Beach, Florida. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

6 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – The first fully integrated United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket and Boeing Starliner astronaut space taxi have “successfully accomplished” the critical countdown demonstration and fueling test at Launch Pad 40 on Friday, Dec 6, on the Florida Space Coast – paving the path towards launch on the uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) mission now retarget to Dec. 20.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/ula-completes-atlas-v-countdown-and-fueling-test-for-boeing-starliner-oft-test-flight-reset-to-dec-20-photos/

Lovely Lunchtime Liftoff for SpaceX Dragon with NASA Science, Cargo Bound for International Space Station: Photos

As airplane flies by in background SpaceX launches Dragon CRS-19 cargo resupply mission for NASA to the International Space Station at 12:29 p.m. EST Dec. 5, 2019, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

5 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER/CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL – Space fans and officials were treated to a lovely lunchtime liftoff of the SpaceX Dragon carrying a load of nearly 3 tons of NASA science and cargo bound for the international Space Station (NASA) including 40 genetically engineered micetronauts, a new AI powered CIMON astronaut helper, new gear for the Cold Atom lab and much more into a clear blue sky from the Florida Space Coast today, Thursday, Dec. 5, a day after high winds forced a launch scrub on Dec. 4.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/lovely-lunchtime-liftoff-for-spacex-dragon-with-nasa-science-cargo-bound-for-international-space-station-photos/

SpaceX Dragon Poised for Lunchtime Liftoff on Resupply Mission for NASA to Space Station: Photos

UpClose prelaunch view of SpaceX Dragon CRS-19 cargo freighter atop Falcon 9 rocket at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida prior to launch slated for Dec. 4, 2019. Retargeted to Dec 5.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

4 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL – The SpaceX Dragon is poised for liftoff this morning Wednesday, Dec 4 under beautiful sunny Florida Space Coast skies.

Note: Launch scrubbed to Dec 5 12:29 PM ET due to excessive upper altitude winds

SpaceX and NASA are now targeting liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket launch with the unpiloted and recycled Dragon CRS-19 cargo ship from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 12:51 p.m. EST (1751 GMT) - that coincides with approximately the moment that Earth’s rotation brings Cape Canaveral under the orbital plane of International Space Station. 

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/spacex-dragon-poised-for-lunchtime-liftoff-on-resupply-mission-for-nasa-to-space-station/

Busy December Cape Launch Schedule Starts with SpaceX Closing Out 2019 with Key Station Missions

Blastoff of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the Dragon CRS-18 cargo mission for NASA to the International Space Station on July 25, 2019, at 6:01 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida with 2.5 tons of science and supplies – in this remote camera view from pad 40. SpaceX CRS-19 is targeting liftoff on Dec. 4, 2019.  Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com

3 December 2019

Ken Kremer – For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL – After a thin autumn of launches with just a lone launch last month following an action packed first half to the year, a very busy December will close out 2019 with a hefty slate of liftoffs including a duo of key missions to the International Space Station (ISS) firing up this Christmas holiday season.

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/busy-december-cape-launch-schedule-starts-with-spacex-closing-out-2019-with-key-station-missions/

Starliner Astronaut Ferry Ship Rollout Videos from KSC to Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41

Video Caption: Rollout of 1^st Boeing Starliner astronaut ferry ship on Nov. 21, 2019 from the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility (C3PF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to its launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41. Credit: NASA

1 December 2019

Ken Kremer For SpaceUpClose.com & RocketSTEM

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL – Watch the extremely cool NASA rollout videos of the first flightworthy Boeing Starliner commercial crew astronaut ferry spacecraft last week on Thursday, Nov. 21 from the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility (C3PF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to its launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 for stacking atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket - that will launch the ship on its first unpiloted voyage to space the Orbital Flight Test (OFT) for NASA to the International Space Station (ISS). 

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:
https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/12/starliner-astronaut-ferry-ship-rollout-videos-from-ksc-to-cape-canaveral-launch-complex-41/

Crew Quarters – NASA Astronauts “Home Away from Home” Undergoes Modern Upgrades at Kennedy: Photos

Crew of STS-1 in Suit Preparation Room with tables for spacesuit hardware and medical monitoring gauges and panels with new recliner following refurbishment of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building at Kennedy Space Center. Credit: Jean Wright

30 Nov 2019

Jean Wright for Space UpClose

Kennedy Space Center, Fl – Today the Crew Quarters are being readied for astronauts to once again launch from American soil to the vastness of space!

These iconic hallways on the 3rd floor of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building at KSC, are where past Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle astronauts took some of their last steps on Earth before heading to orbit, the moon, or to the International Space Station (ISS).

Read the entire story at Space UpClose:

https://www.spaceupclose.com/2019/11/crew-quarters-nasa-astronauts-home-away-from-home-undergoes-modern-upgrades-at-kennedy-photos/